Humminbird network question

[kingkong85]

I just bought the 859ci hd di and 899ci hd si units. I also bought 2 ethernet dongles, 20 ft ethernet cable and the Y cable.  Can I network these 2 units without using the humminbird 5 port ethernet switch?  Can I use just one transducer? 

[Wayne P.]

Linking the two units and no other unit or Ethernet accessory just takes an Ethernet dongle connected to each unit and the Ethernet cable between the two dongles.

Only need the Ethernet switch if you want to add other Ethernet devices.

 

Any Y cable you got involves transducers for a single unit.

 

You cannot get dedicated DI for either unit without a DI transducer connected to the 859ci HD DI Combo. A Compact SI or HDSI transducer does not have a dedicated DI sonar crystal to support the DI circuit in a DI unit.

You cannot get SI or blended DI for either unit without a SI transducer connected to the 899ci HD SI Combo.

 

You can share the sonar technologies via Ethernet. You select the sonar source for each unit in their Ethernet menu.

 

You don't have to connect the DI transducer to the DI unit, and you can view SI/DI/2D/GPS/Temp from the SI unit via Ethernet. If you don't attach a transducer to a unit, turn SONAR OFF so the unit will not be broadcasting sonar pulses on unloaded circuits ( may damage the unit processor ).

[kingkong85]

I appreciate the detailed information.  This really helps.  I am planning to get the hdsi transducer.   All I want for now is to view si di 2d GPS and temp on the di unit.  The si unit will be at the console and di will be at the now.

 

I read the humminbird ethernet setup guide but am still confuse.  

 

I understand the unit to unit connection but where do I plug the hdsi transducer?  Or would it be a better idea to run both transducers (si transducer in the back of boat and di transducer on the trolling motor)?

 

Wayne if you had these two units, how would you set them up without using the switch?

[Wayne P.]

The Side Imaging transducer has to be plugged into the back of the Side Imaging unit.

 

You should have both transducers installed.

 

"Setup" is the same with or without the switch that you don't need.

 

What boat do you have and what brand/model of trolling motor?

[kingkong85]

Alumacraft pro 175 and minn kota edge.

[Wayne P.]

The best installation is a transom transducer and trolling motor transducer. Sonar data would be where you are instead of a boat length away if sharing a transducer.

 

Since the Edge is a 5 speed motor, you may can get by with the transducer that comes with the 859 attached to the trolling motor if you get an adapter (less chance of RFI issues).

BUT I would still use the proper transducer for the application which is a trolling motor PUCK and needs no mount (comes with stainless steel hose clamps).

Two choices for the DI pucks:

XTM 9 DI 25 T uses the same 2D frequencies as the transom DI transducer 200/455 kHz.

XTM 9 WIDE DI 20 T that is tuned for 83/200 kHz and matches the 2D of the SI unit.

 

Three choices for the console SI unit transducer:

1. Attach the SI transducer at the bottom of the hull so it can give you 2D/Depth when on plane.

2. Attach the SI transducer above the hull bottom to prevent possible impact damage and use a dual beam 2D transducer XNT 9 20 at the hull bottom (less expensive). Then connect the two transducers to the display with the AS SIDB Y cable.

3. Attach the SI transducer above the hull bottom and use an Alumaducer shoot-thru for on-plane 2D/Depth. The two transducers connected to the display with the AS SIDB Y cable.

[kingkong85]

I can't thank you enough, Wayne.  Now that I think about it more,  I prefer to have sonar data where I'm at while fishing.  I will go this route instead of just using one transducer.